SL Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
SL Jones
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Jones in concert at A3C in 2011
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Bryan Charles Jones |
| Also known as | Cuz Lightyear |
| Born | Flint, Michigan, United States |
| Origin | Little Rock, Arkansas, United States |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | Killer Mike, Pill, DJ Burn One |
Bryan Charles Jones, known as SL Jones or Cuz Lightyear, is an American rapper and songwriter. He is known for his unique style and storytelling in his music.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Bryan Charles Jones was born in Flint, Michigan. Soon after, his family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in a neighborhood called 23rd & Wolfe Street. This area was known for having different groups. Jones often talks about his hometown and neighborhood in his songs. The number 23, from his street's name, is a common theme in his music.
While growing up, Jones spent some time back in Flint. There, he studied visual arts. Later, he moved to Atlanta to start his music career. When he began, he chose the name SL Jones. The "SL" stands for "Second Letter," referring to the letter B for Bryan, which is the second letter of the alphabet.
Music Career
Starting with Grind Time
SL Jones first became known when he worked with a group called Grind Time Official. This group was also known as Grind Time Rap Gang. Other artists in the group included Killer Mike and Pill.
While working with Grind Time, SL Jones appeared on many music projects. These included mixtapes and official albums. Some of these were I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind and Underground Atlanta.
Solo Music Projects
In 2009, SL Jones released his first solo mixtape. It was called C.O.L.O.R.S.: Bangin' On Wax. This mixtape featured other famous artists like Killer Mike and Trae Tha Truth. When it came out, the project received praise from many music news outlets. Complex Magazine even named SL Jones one of the 10 most underrated new rappers. They said he had a "complex" style that was rare for Southern rap.
In 2011, SL Jones released four different projects. On May 23, he released The Number 23. This mixtape was hosted by Don Cannon. It featured artists like Killer Mike, Pill, and Waka Flocka Flame. The music was produced by well-known producers such as Lex Luger and Shawty Redd. This mixtape got good reviews. XXL Magazine gave it a positive review, and Creative Loafing gave it a 4 out of 5 rating.
Later that year, on August 23, The Number 23 was re-released. This new version was called The Number 23: Editor's Cut. It had 16 songs, including two new tracks. One new song was "Out Here," featuring Rocko.
On September 14, 2011, SL Jones released Pandamonium. This project took songs from Clams Casino's Rainforest EP and remixed them. It had five tracks.
On December 14, 2011, he released another mixtape called Flight Risk. This project had 10 songs. Producers like Sonny Digital and Lex Luger worked on it. XXL magazine said it was "another dosage of quality material from SL."
In 2012, SL Jones planned to release a series of EPs. Instead, he worked on a 12-track mixtape with Atlanta producer DJ Burn One. In February 2012, SL Jones announced this project, named Paraphernalia. He also released a song from it called "Wave Runner." On May 23, Paraphernalia was released. It featured rappers like Freddie Gibbs and singer Ebony Love.
Critics really liked Paraphernalia. Complex Magazine called it "an expertly crafted piece of Southern-fried hip-hop." FADER Magazine said it had "variety, songcraft and attention to detail."
In 2013, SL Jones announced a new EP called Trapper's Delight. This project was produced by M16. It had seven songs and also received strong reviews. In April, SL Jones went on his first headline tour. It was called "The Way Of Life No Hobby Tour." The tour supported Trapper's Delight and prepared for his next mixtape. He visited nine cities in states like Louisiana and Texas.
In August 2013, SL Jones announced a new mixtape. It was called Way Of Life No Hobby. This mixtape was hosted by popular DJ Don Cannon. It had three songs released before the full mixtape. For this project, SL Jones worked only with one producer, Metro Boomin. The mixtape was released on September 4, 2013. It featured artists like Killer Mike and Kevin Gates.
Discography
Mixtapes
- C.O.L.O.R.S.: Bangin' On Wax (2009)
- The Number 23 (2011)
- The Number 23: Editor's Cut (2011)
- Flight Risk (2011)
- Paraphernalia (2012)
- Trapper's Delight (2013)
- Way Of Life No Hobby (2013)
Remix Projects
- Pandamonium (Rainforest Remixes) (2011)
Guest appearances
- I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind
- Underground Atlanta
